_Minutes_June 26, 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Kelly Mokashi said she is a new resident to the community and referred to Number 5 of the development standards. She is speaking on maintaining the preservation of the downtown historical areas and noted that one goal states to maintain traditional character and scale when new buildings are built. She indicated that some of the recently constructed buildings downtown are disproportional when compared to existing buildings. She asked that scale, proportion, and historic quaintness be preserved in the downtown, particularly a two-story maximum. Wilson Wendt, Attorney representing the Safreno family who own 4212 First Street (Shell service station), urged the Planning Commission to follow the Task Force recommendation and City Council's recommendation that the gas station property be designated with an overlay so it can be developed for residential use. He said they have done some work on projects that would provide amenities to the community and understands their obligation, but this allows them to move forward without having to amend the recently adopted DSP. Guy Houston, representing the Safreno family and the gas station, referred to the two- and three-story buildings and said it seems the Task Force and City Council both indicate 30 feet as a limitation. He believes that a 30-foot, two-story building would be unattractive and out of proportion and asked to keep in mind the compatibility of other three-story structures next door to the gas station. The City Council has stated two stories maximum with the ability to consider additional height through a PUD. Therefore, he asked the Planning Commission to maintain the 30-foot maximum, but that three-stories within the 30-foot limit be permitted in the outlying areas, such as on First Street. Gene Finch voiced concerns with the Downtown Specific Plan review, its recommendations and what is being presented. He believes there are issues surrounding the lack of parking in the downtown area, does not want the downtown area changed, asked to keep things simple and to stop changing rules and regulations. Bryan Bowers said he is a downtown property owner and current President of the PDA. He reiterated the FDA's support for the Task Force recommendations made at the February 26 meeting and re-affirmed at the last DSP meeting. He referred to the removal of the PUD process for residential in the downtown, stating the PUD process is a long, cumbersome and sometimes expensive process. He cited change of ownership in achieving the highest and best use of property while keeping the historic charm of the downtown. The PDA is against having the PUD required for residential projects. And, while he appreciates staff's efforts in balancing competing viewpoints, they would not want a PUD for options such as new ground floor residential or if residential does not already exist since two properties side by side could have very different requirements. He also asked that outdoor seating be a Zoning Administrator (ZA) decision and not a Planning Commission decision. Lastly, requiring commercial to wrap around the corner seems like overkill where this is an issue that can be resolved by the ZA. Laura Olson, Executive Director of PDA, and member of the Downtown Specific Plan Task Force, voiced disappointment with what was being presented, stating the PDA Vitality Committee began meeting and red-lining the 2002 DSP in 2013. They provided it to staff in 2014 and have been awaiting this process. She said although there have been wins, there Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 27 June 26, 2019